Vampire Academy

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school–it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's–the very place where they're most in danger. Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi–the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires–make Lissa one of them forever.





Author: Richelle Mead (Author's Website, VA books official website, Twitter)
Publisher: Razorbill
Buy online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Book borrowed from the national library
(Actual) Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

This is the first time ever I'm trying out to read another vampire book series since Twilight. All I am hoping for at the beginning is that it turns out good like I had when reading Twilight. Now don't judge me. I'm just being honest that I truly enjoyed reading Twilight Saga, all right.

I have to say that Vampire Academy wasn't that real bad of a read, in fact, I couldn't put down the book - it was all I could do really. I attempted many times not to be extremely into it but yeah, I did like it. Apparently, I am very much looking forward to what's gonna happen next.

After Hello

When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of an elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.

Author: Lisa Mangum (Twitter)
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Buy online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Book borrowed from the national library
(Actual) Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not really familiar with the author either. Never read one of her books before and I picked up this book by random. Sometimes it's just really awesome that you got to read a random book simply because of how the title attracts you so. That's what happened between this book and me- we just connect. Like it's got something good to trade with me. You read my book and you'll get what you need/want. That whole concept was included in the plot and I find it new and interesting. I'm still finding out how trading anything get to what you want.

"Someone once told me that if you don't know what you want, you'll never get it."

I don't feel like typing out the summary/book synopsis to you because I don't have to. You go prepare yourself to this kind of quest/adventure also you'll get to literally go around the NYC - keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Out of the Easy

Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan to get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in a police investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street.

Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in a quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.

With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.

Author: Ruta Sepetys (Website, Twitter, Facebook)
Publisher: Philomel Books
Buy online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Book borrowed from the national library
(Actual) Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Out of the Easy is the most anticipated second novel by Ruta Sepetys. Basically, the story is in a girl's points of view taking us in how her world of chaos revolves around her. Josie Moraine who is a daughter of a brothel prostitute, Louise Moraine. Josie's (Jo) hope is to attend one of the prestigious college in the East, Smith. However, the path to where she would like the road she pursue in getting seems not in her favor. Moreover, impossible to achieve. The expenses are inarguable and costly. With her mother not being there, all left alone to go on her own way and worst case scenario - her mother taking every assets and everything away from her.

Will you bounce back and fight for what is right or are you going to live lifeless and knee-bend all the while when people toss you around like a puppet they see in you? Is there a way to get out of situation where everything that surrounds you are chaotic, tranquility loss in life, endless of problems and lies? Will you back down or are you the type of person who is filled with courage even without seen by anyone, is alone in control of what they want in life?

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children

Author: Ransom Riggs (Website, Twitter, Facebook)
Publisher: Quirk Books
Buy online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Book borrowed from the national library
(Actual) Rating: 4 of 5 stars

I want to briefly share a summary of what's the book about because it would be good to have a background of what it's all about before proceeding to read it. I personally want and I admit when I picked up the book, I vaguely have an idea of what's really going to be my reaction in the end once I finished reading it.

Abraham (Abe) Portman, grandfather of Jacob Portman was a man involved and fought in the wars in 1940 and now is a grandfather of Jacob. Grandfather Abe tells Jacob fantasies to fighting monsters. Jacob found them to be fantastic when he was still a young boy. Grandfather Abe also shares vintage photographs, all look unusual and shares each of its behind-stories. Now, 15 going on 16 Jacob Portman is capable and knowledgeable enough to know that all what his grandfather said  was all just fictional stories.

"Good Things Come To Those Who Wait" is in the upcoming Shadow and Bone paperback!

The Shadow and Bone paperback goes on sale May 7, 2013!

The paperback will include the following bonus material:
-A letter from Mal to Alina written the night before he and his friends entered Fjerda to track the stag
-An extensive Q&A with Leigh Bardugo
-A sneak peek at Siege and Storm

Thanks so much to Macmillan Kids for sending out the wonderful email I received with special watermarked and badge attach to it! Aabsolutely made my weekend! Happy Saturday! Happy birthday and I wish all the best to Miss Leigh Bardugo!

WATCH the book trailer [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO] 'Siege and Storm' by Leigh Bardugo via EW (Entertainment Weekly)

Timekeeper

When Philip Walker appears as a new student in Michele Windsor's high school class, she is floored. He is the love she thought she lost forever when they said goodbye during her time travels last century. Overjoyed that they can resume the relationship they had a lifetime ago, Michele eagerly approaches him and discovers the unthinkable: he doesn't remember her. In fact, he doesn't seem to remember anything about the Philip Walker of 1910.

Michele then finds her father's journals, which tell stories of his time-traveling past. As she digs deeper, she learns about his entanglement with a mysterious and powerful organization called the Time Society and his dealings with a vengeful Windsor ancestor. Michele soon finds herself at the center of a rift over 120 years in the making, one whose resolution will have life-or-death consequences.


Author: Alexandra Monir (Website, Twitter)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Buy online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Book borrowed from the national library
(Actual) Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Before I even start my review, I have the habit of always writing Timeless as the title and tags or on search engine on Goodreads when the sequel is Timekeeper. Timeless is the first novel in the series. It got in to my habit of typing Timeless every time! Haha!

Wonderfully written! Fascinating! Full of wonder! It's got a good pace. Not too draggy or anything. I particularly liked a few paragraphs from The Handbook of Time Society that was included. It gives readers a better understanding of how one can travel. There are laws when you certain things when you're in another Time. That's an advantage and it's really neat because the handbook is something of a personal recount or I would say guidelines to beginners in the Time Society.